Two men arrested after amphetamine haul

Two men were arrested in connection with the seizure of more than half a tonne of amphetamines, HM Revenue and Customs said yesterday.

Officials discovered the drugs in a 40ft trailer at Felixstowe docks in Suffolk last Wednesday.

The men were arrested during five searches of properties in the Leicester area by officers from HMRC, the UK Border Agency and Leicestershire Police.

HMRC said the trailer arrived at the docks from Rotterdam and was due to be transported to Leicester when the amphetamines were found.

A small quantity of cannabis was also discovered. Both men, who are from Leicester, were later released on bail, HMRC added.

John Kay, assistant director of investigation at HMRC, said: "This is a substantial seizure and would have filled the back of a transit-sized van.

"HMRC and UKBA are working closely with the police and other law enforcement agencies at home and abroad to protect the public from the significant and damaging effect drugs have on our communities.

"This collaboration is helping to protect the UK from the violence and corruption that always accompanies the trade in illegal drugs."